The Collina Alta (Locarno Monti-Contra)
Nature Trail
· Ascona-Locarno

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Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner Explorers Choice
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner Explorers Choice
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Capèla RotaPhoto: Mariano Berri, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Easy panoramic trail that leads from Locarno Monti to Contra and boasts fantastic views over Lake Maggiore. Thanks to its low altitude and sunny position, it’s accessible all year round.
easy
Distance 6.9 km
Duration2:15 h
Ascent374 m
Descent292 m
Highest point644 m
Lowest point398 m
The trip starts from Monti della Trinità square, reached by bus or by funicular from Locarno, where you can enjoy an extended view over the Maggia Delta, Ascona, the Brissago Islands and a part of the Italian lake basin. Following the path to Roncaccio, starting alongside the church, you reach via Patocchi. Fifty metres above, just after the Verzaschese restaurant, you take the path which next takes in a chestnut tree wood before arriving in Orselina. After reaching the last of the houses, yellow signs indicate the trail which follows the mountain's curves and from which you can glimpse old pastures. You then arrive in via Selva, in the territory of Brione sopra Minusio. From the via Selva fork, take the path toward Val Resa, passing over the pretty humpback bridge, crossing the Navegna stream. In this area you'll notice a strange, unfinished building, the "Capèla rota", built perhaps around 1500. Continue on along the Val Resa road and when going down on the road which is open to vehicles you cross, finally, the path toward Contra, final destination of this beautiful excursion.
Difficulty
easy
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
644 m
Lowest point
398 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt 32.13%Forested/wild trail 8.60%Path 56.79%Road 2.46%
Asphalt
2.2 km
Forested/wild trail
0.6 km
Path
3.9 km
Road
0.2 km
Safety information
Sentieri Svizzeri - Escursioni sicure
Start
Monti della SS. Trinità (397 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'704'318E 1'114'478N
DD
46.173691, 8.789487
DMS
46°10'25.3"N 8°47'22.2"E
UTM
32T 483750 5113367
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Destination
Contra, Paese
Turn-by-turn directions
Monti della SS. Trinità-All'Eco-Ronco di Bosco-Lögh del Biàdigh-Cappella Rotta-Contra, Paese
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
From Locarno railway station: Take the bus in the direction of Brione s. Minusio or the Funicolare to Orselina. Further information: www.sbb.ch
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'704'318E 1'114'478N
DD
46.173691, 8.789487
DMS
46°10'25.3"N 8°47'22.2"E
UTM
32T 483750 5113367
w3w
///butterfly.decimal.appeal
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
To explore the route, we recommend buying the official maps of the Federal Office of Topography Swisstopo. In addition, the following website map.geo.admin.ch offers constantly updated data.
Equipment
- Hiking daypack (approx. 20 liters) with rain cover
- Comfortable and sturdy footwear
- Adequate and durable outdoor clothing in multiple layers
- Telescope sticks if necessary,
- Sun and rain protection
- Snacks and drinking water
- First aid kit
- Penknife
- Mobile phone, headlight if necessary
- Maps
Difficulty
easy
Distance
6.9 km
Duration
2:15 h
Ascent
374 m
Descent
292 m
Highest point
644 m
Lowest point
398 m
Public-transport-friendly
Linear route
Scenic
Family-friendly
Insider tip
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
- Content
- Show images Hide images
Maps and trails
- 2 Waypoints
- 2 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
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km
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